Cover with first and second actuation areas

ABSTRACT

Examples include a consumer product comprising a box comprising a detergent product, a cover, and a lock. The cover covers an opening and first and second specific portions of sidewalls of the box when the cover is in the closed position, the lock comprising a first and a second actuator moveable from a locking position to an opening position, the cover comprising first and second actuation areas, the actuation areas permitting displacing the first and second actuators from the locking position to the opening position by simultaneously applying the actuation pressure, whereby:the first specific portions and the first actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall;the second specific portion and the second actuator pertain to an opposite sidewall;the first actuation area pertains to a same specific flank; andthe second actuation area pertains to an opposite flank.

BACKGROUND

This invention generally relates to containers for detergent products.Such containers containing detergent products are consumer productspresent in consumer homes, in particular in rooms such as a kitchen, alaundry room or a bathroom, which tend to generate a humid environment.It is important that the container be configured to adequately protectthe detergent product from degradation due to an excessive exposure tosuch moisture or humidity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-B illustrate a first example consumer product.

FIG. 2A-B illustrate a second example consumer product.

FIG. 3A-C illustrate a third example consumer product.

FIG. 4A-B illustrate example blanks for an example hood lid cover.

FIG. 5A-B illustrate a fourth example consumer product.

FIG. 6A-B illustrate a fifth example consumer product.

FIG. 7A-B illustrate a sixth example consumer product.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first example method.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detergent products are sensitive to humidity and should as such becontained in specific containers, in particular containers which may belocked and properly closed or locked following use or opening to reducerisks of detergent composition being overly exposed to environmentalhumidity. At the same time, a lock of such a container should beconfigured to be actuated by an ample variety of adult consumers orusers. The lock should thereby reliably prevent accidental opening andreliable reclosing or relocking of the container after use, as well asprovide for reliable unlocking when desired by an adult consumer. Whilesuch objectives may appear contradictory, it is important to get themboth resolved. This apparent contradiction is particularly acute whenapplied to cardboard containers which, while offering desirablerecyclability, introduce challenges related to their mechanicalcharacteristics. The consumer product according to this disclosure aimsat taking these different aspects into account.

The lock according to this disclosure should be configured to reversiblymaintain a cover in a closed position. By reversibly, it should beunderstood that the lock permits to repeatedly lock and unlock thecover, thereby permitting repeated access to the content of thecontainer and permitting locking the container between successiveaccess. This differs from, for example, one-off mechanisms such astamper proof mechanisms which would, due to their function, not bereversible. In some examples, a lock according to this disclosure is toreversibly maintain a cover in a closed position by being configured topermit at least 10 successive opening and closing operations. In someexamples, a lock according to this disclosure is to reversibly maintaina cover in a closed position by being configured to permit at least 50successive opening and closing operations. In some examples, a lockaccording to this disclosure is to reversibly maintain a cover in aclosed position by being configured to permit at least 100 successiveopening and closing operations.

As will be described below, the specific configuration described in thisdisclosure permits relying on a structure comprising first, second andthird actuation areas which will provide a reliable locking andunlocking operation. The use of such separated three actuation areasindeed permits using 3 fingers of a same adult hand to operate a coverof a box held by the other adult hand.

Detergent products are products which may be relatively heavy, forexample when a container for such product is carrying the full weight ofsuch detergent products, in particular when the consumer product isrecently acquired and thereby holds a significant quantity of detergentproduct. While some consumers may lift and transport such a consumerproduct holding a base of a box containing such detergent product, suchlifting and transport may also occur by holding such consumer product bya cover, without holding the base. In such cases, it is possible thatthe cover, submitted to the force of gravity of the detergent product,gets released and opens the box, the box falling and possibly spreadingits content. Such situations should be avoided. Beyond avoiding suchunintentional cover unlocking, the structure of the container of aconsumer product should preserve or improve opening ergonomics andprevent or reduce a permanent side wall deformation upon excessive orrepetitive application of forces applied to the consumer product, forexample during transport, in a grocery shopping bag against otherobjects, when submitted to external pressure, or when dropped. At thesame time, containers may be elaborated in order to preserve theenvironment. The consumer product according to this disclosure aims attaking these different aspects into account.

A consumer product should in this disclosure be understood as a productwhich is provided, among others, to end consumers. Such consumerproducts may for example be available for purchase in supermarkets andend consumers may store such consumer products in their homes. Consumerproducts may be provided in large quantities and should thereby bedesigned taking environmental concerns into account. Consumer productsshould also be designed taking transportation to a retail store intoaccount. Consumer products should also be robust to withstandtransportation as part of an e-commerce shipment. Consumer productsshould also be designed taking on the shelf storage in a retail storeinto account. Consumer products should also be designed takingtransportation from a retail store to a consumer home into account.Consumer products should also be designed taking storage at a privateend-consumer home into account. Consumer products should also bedesigned taking use of the consumer product at a private end consumerhome into account. Consumer products should also be designed takingdisposal into account.

The consumer product according to this disclosure comprises a detergentproduct. Detergent products should be understood in this disclosure asproducts comprising a surfactant. Detergent products may also comprise ableach or other ingredients. Example detergent product compositions aredescribed in more detail herein. In some examples, the detergent productcomprises unit dose detergent pouches, preferably water soluble unitdose detergent pouches, more preferably flexible water soluble unit dosedetergent pouches. Example unit dose detergent pouches are described inmore detail herein. One should note that in some cases, the containersaccording to this disclosure may also be suitable for content other thana detergent product, in particular for content of a perishable nature,such as food or unstable chemical substances for example.

The consumer product according to this disclosure further comprises acontainer. A container should be understood in this disclosure as anobject housing a content, for example in a cavity of the container. Thecontainer facilitates protection, transport, storage, access anddisposal of the consumer product.

In this disclosure, the container comprises a box. A box should beunderstood as a generally parallelepiped, barrel shaped, cylindrical,round, oval or cubical three dimensional object defining a cavity. Theuse of parallelepiped boxes may facilitate storage and transportation bypermitting piling up boxes in a space efficient manner. In someexamples, a box may be a parallelepiped provided with some rounded,tapered trapezium or chamfered edges. The box according to thisdisclosure comprises the detergent product. It should be understood thatthe detergent product is contained or stored in the box. The boxaccording to this disclosure comprises a base, sidewalls and an opening.In some examples, the opening is opposite the base. In other examplesthe opening is on a sidewall. A base according to this disclosure shouldbe understood as a surface on which the box may lie when placed on asupporting surface such as a shelf or a floor. In some examples, thebase is flat. In some examples, the base is rectangular. In someexamples, the base is oval or round. In some examples, the base has anembossed profile standing in or out in relief. The sidewalls accordingto this disclosure should be understood as extending from the base, andconnecting the base to the opening, to a transition piece or to thecover. It should be understood that the connection of the base to theopening may include one or more transition pieces in addition to asidewall. It should be understood that the connection of the base to theopening may be through a portion of a sidewall when, for example, theopening is in such sidewall. In some examples, a transition piece may beglued or otherwise attached to the sidewall. In some examples, thesidewalls are perpendicular to the base. In some examples, the base isrectangular and has four sides, four sidewalls extending perpendicularfrom the base, each sidewall being rectangular, each side wall beingconnected by a sidewall side to a side of the base, and by two othersidewall sides to two other of the four sidewalls. In some examples thebase is oval or circular and the sidewalls form a generally cylindricalwall extending from the base in a direction normal or perpendicular tothe base. In some examples, sidewalls have a shape corresponding to oneof a square, a rectangle, a trapeze, a polygon, a section of a sphere, asection of an ovoid, or a section of an ellipsoid. The opening accordingto this disclosure should be understood as a complete or partialaperture providing access to the detergent product comprised in the box.In some examples, the opening faces the base. In some examples, theopening has a surface of less than the surface of the base. In someexamples, the opening has a surface larger than the surface of the basein order to provide an improved access, for example using sidewallsextending from the base at angle of more than 90 degrees from the base.In some examples, the opening is provided after removal of a tamperproof feature, for example comprising a perforated piece to be removedat first use or a tamper evident sticker locking a cover to the box. Insome examples a tamper evident sticker is glued on the cover and on thebox, whereby the tamper evident sticker should be broken, teared orperforated at first opening to indicate to a consumer that the containerhas not been tempered with before purchase. This temper evident stickermay for example be in paper or in plastic. In some examples, the openingis placed on a top panel of the box, the top panel of the box facing,i.e. opposite, the base of the box, the top panel of the box beingseparated from the base of the box by at least the sidewalls, the toppanel of the box being generally coplanar with the base of the box. Insome examples, the opening is in a sidewall, the opening having anopening profile or an opening contour which may be comprised in a planenormal to the plane of the base. In some examples, the opening isrectangular. In some examples, the opening is rectangular with roundededges. In some examples, the opening is round or oval. In some examples,the opening is a permanent opening. In some examples, the opening is areclosable opening. Examples reclosable opening comprise openingsreclosable by a single flap, or reclosable opening reclosable through aspout like structure, for example a spout like structure comprising amain flap which, in a reclosed position, would cover the opening, andside elements which, when the opening is open, link the main flap withsides of the opening.

The container comprises a cover for the box. The cover according to thisdisclosure should be understood as an element permitting to repeatedlyclose or open the opening of the box. In some examples the cover may beconnected to the box, for example by a hinge, or may be separated fromthe box. The cover according to this disclosure comprises a top or covertop and flanks or cover flanks. In some examples, in addition to a topand flanks, the cover comprises a further panel, the top, flanks andfurther panel forming a sleeve surrounding the box. It should beunderstood that the cover is aimed at covering the opening of the boxwhen the cover is in a closed position. In some examples, the top of thecover is rectangular. In some examples the top of the cover is round,hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal or oval, structures such as round oroval being for example approximated by multiplying a number of sidepanels and cover flaps. In some examples, the cover comprises bevelededges. In some examples, the top of the cover is rectangular withrounded edges. It should be understood that while being named “top”, thetop of the cover may be positioned in different orientations. The covercomprises flanks. It should be understood that the flanks according tothis disclosure are elements connected to the top of the cover andextending from the cover in order to engage one or more sidewalls of thebox, each flank having an extension along a corresponding sidewallbetween the connection to the top of the cover and a distal end of theflank. The flanks participate in placing the top of the cover onto theopening. In some examples, the flanks extend perpendicularly from thetop of the cover. In some examples, the flanks surround an entireperimeter of the top of the cover. In some examples, the flankspartially surround an entire perimeter of the top of the cover, aportion of the top of the cover being flankless, for example along ahinge between the cover and the box in a case of a hinged cover. In someexamples, the cover forms a sleeve. The top of the cover or another partof the cover may cover the opening, and at least a portion of the flanksor another part of the cover may cover at least a specific portion of aspecific sidewall of the sidewalls of the box when the cover is in theclosed position, the cover being moveable from the closed position to anopen position. Movement of the cover may be restrained by a connectionto the box such as a hinge, or may be entirely removable, for example toprovide an improved access to the content of the box. The box and covercooperate to participate in fulfilling the role of the container tostore, transport and facilitate access to the content of the container.

The container according to this disclosure comprises a lock toreversibly maintain the cover in a closed position. Reversibility shouldbe understood in that the lock may repeatedly be opened or closed. Alock should be in this disclosure understood as a mechanism providingappropriate closure and protection of detergent composition fromhumidity, as well as preventing or reducing the likelihood of anaccidental opening. The lock according to this disclosure is to maintainthe cover in a closed position. It should be understood that the lockaccording to this disclosure is expected to function under normal use ofthe container. It should be understood that the lock may not fulfill itsfunction when for example unusual use is made of the box, or when thebox is under unusual conditions. In some examples, the lock comprises anactuator moveable from a locking position to an opening position byapplying an actuation pressure onto the actuator when the cover is inthe closed position. An example actuator is a mechanical structuresubmitted to a movement upon actuation by an outside force or actuationpressure, such movement leading to the opening of the lock when suchmovement takes place. In some examples, the actuator is resilient andhas a default position, such default position corresponding to the coverremaining closed, a resilience being vanquished by an outside force oractuation pressure in order to open the cover. In some examples, theactuator is resilient in that the actuator comprises a flexible element,the flexible element having a default position corresponding to thecover remaining closed, the flexible element being pressed to open thecover, the flexible element springing back to the default position whenreleasing pressure. It should be understood that a pressure is generatedby the application of a force onto a surface. Example actuators have atleast two positions being the opening position and the locking position,whereby the opening position corresponds to a position permittingopening of the cover, the locking position preventing opening of thecover to protect the content from humidity or reducing the possibilityof an accidental opening of the cover.

An example actuator is connected to the specific portion being the atleast specific portion of a specific sidewall of the sidewalls of thebox covered by at least a portion of the cover when the cover is in theclosed position, which may be a specific portion covered by at least aportion of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, theactuator abutting for example against a locking tab of the cover when inthe locking position, the actuator being for example maintained awayfrom the locking tab when in the opening position, the actuator beingfor example displaceable by the actuation pressure by an unlockingdisplacement distance in a direction normal to the specific portion ofthe sidewalls. The connection to the specific portion may for example bea fold line at an end of a sidewall away from the base. The connectionof the actuator to the specific portion of the sidewall is due to theactuator participating in locking or unlocking the specific portion ofthe sidewall from the portion of the cover covering the specific portionof the sidewall, thereby permitting releasing the cover from the box.The cover may comprise a locking tab. A locking tab should be understoodas a mechanical element which interlocks with the actuator. In someexamples the locking tab extends away from part of the cover and may bein the form of a bulge, a ridge, an embossment or an additional materiallayer sticking out of the cover and towards the specific portion of theside wall such that the actuator may abut against the tab when in thelocking position to prevent separating the specific portion of thesidewalls from the cover in the area of the actuator. In some examples,the locking tab is comprised in the cover itself, the locking tab beingfor example formed by an aperture in the cover. Abutment according tothis disclosure should be understood as a contact between the actuatoror part of the actuator and the tab, such contact preventing opening ofthe cover. In some examples the actuator is maintained away from thelocking tab when in the opening position, in order to release thelocking tab. Such release of the locking tab permits opening the cover.Displacement or movement of the actuator from the locking to the openingposition is by application on the actuator (directly or indirectly) ofan actuation pressure or force such that the actuator is displaced by adistance sufficient to supress contact of the actuator with the lockingtab, such distance corresponding to the displacement distance, in adirection normal to the specific portion of the side wall. Such force orpressure may also comprise a minor component which may be parallel tothe side wall, due to the fact that the hand is a human adult hand whichdoes not necessarily align force completely perfectly. The actuation ishowever triggered by a component of such force or pressure being normalto the portion of the side wall. Such presence requirement of acomponent normal to the portion of the sidewall in order to unlock thelock, participates in the role of the lock of avoiding an accidentalopening, for example in absence of such normal force component, whereasdesired opening would take place by the consumer “pushing” the actuatorand apply the unlocking force or pressure permitting opening of thecover.

In order to provide precision in locating a finger appropriately, theflanks comprise an actuation area in a specific flank, the actuationarea facing the actuator. The fact that such actuation area faces theactuator indeed permits locating either the thumb or one or more of theother fingers on exactly the area on which a lock opening force shouldbe applied. The actuation area should be understood as defining alocalised discontinuity on the specific flank, whereby a user orconsumer may perceive such discontinuity in order to correctly locatethe thumb or one or more other fingers. Such discontinuity may compriseone or more of an actuation aperture, an actuation flap, an actuationslit, an actuation membrane, or tactile elements comprised in or appliedto a surface of the flank such as embossments, debossments, surfacetexturing, buttons or the like. In some examples, the actuation area orthe specific portion comprises a visual indication indicating thelocation of the actuation area. In some examples whereby the actuationarea is an aperture, the specific portion comprises a visual indicationvisible through the aperture, respectively apertures, when the cover isclosed. The visual indication may be printed on an external surface ofthe flanks and may comprise one or more arrows or one or more areasprinted in a striking colour or a specific text providing instructionssuch as “push here to open” for example, or a combination of any ofthese indications. The actuation area is configured to permit displacingthe actuator from the locking position to the opening position byapplying the actuation pressure at the actuation area when the cover isin the closed position. In order to appropriately place the thumb or oneor more other fingers, the actuation area can span less than 8 cm² andmore than 0.2 cm². It was found that a larger area would lead to lack ofprecision in finger placement, and that a smaller area would lead to theactuation area being difficult to locate for a user or consumer. In someexamples, the actuation area has a circular shape in order to easepositioning. Other shapes may be considered such as, for example,elliptical, oval, square, triangular, square with rounded corners,triangular with rounded corners, other polygonal shapes or otherpolygonal shapes with rounded corners.

FIGS. 1A and 1B represent an example consumer product 100 according tothis disclosure. Example consumer product 100 is represented open inFIG. 1A and closed in FIG. 1B. Example consumer product 100 comprises adetergent product (not shown) and a container, the container comprisinga box 101, a cover 102 for the box, and a lock 103 to maintain the cover102 in a closed position, the box 101 comprising the detergent product,the box 101 comprising a base 104, sidewalls 105 and an opening 106, thecover 102 comprising a top 107 and flanks 108, the cover 102 coveringthe opening 106 and the cover 102 covering at least first 151, second152 and third 153 specific portions of sidewalls of the box when thecover 102 is in the closed position, the lock 103 comprising at least afirst 131 a-b and a second 132 actuator moveable from a locking positionto an opening position by applying an actuation pressure onto the firstand second actuators when the cover is in the closed position, the firstactuator 131 a-b being connected to the first specific portion 151, thesecond actuator 132 being connected at least to the second specificportion 152, the cover comprising first 181, second 182 and third 183actuation areas, the first 181 and third 183 actuation areas facing thefirst actuator 131 a-b, the second actuation area 182 facing the secondactuator 132, the actuation areas permitting displacing the first andsecond actuators from the locking position to the opening position bysimultaneously applying the actuation pressure at the first, second andthird actuation areas when the cover is in the closed position, whereby:

-   -   the first and third specific portions of sidewalls and the first        actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall;    -   the second specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator        pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being        opposite to the specific sidewall;    -   the first and third actuation areas pertain to a same specific        flank covering at least the first and third specific portions of        sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position; and    -   the second actuation area pertains to an opposite flank, the        opposite flank being opposite to the specific flank.

In this specific example 100, the container comprises a first flap 131 afacing the first actuation area 181 when the cover is in the closedposition, a second flap 132 facing the second actuation area 182 whenthe cover is in the closed position, and a third flap 131 b facing thethird actuation area 183 when the cover is in the closed position,whereby the first 131 a and third 131 b flap form the first actuator andwhereby the second flap 132 forms the second actuator.

Another example consumer product 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.Example consumer product 200 comprises a structure similar to exampleconsumer product, and similar elements are named and numbered in thesame manner on both Figures. A difference between example consumerproduct 100 and example consumer product 200 is that example consumerproduct 200 comprises a first actuator which comprises a single flap 231facing both the first 181 and third 183 actuation areas when the coveris in the closed position.

In both examples 100 and 200, the cover is in the form of a hood lidwhich may be lifted on and off the box to cover or uncover the opening106.

Another example consumer product 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and3C. Example consumer product 300 is represented open in FIG. 3A, closedin FIG. 3C, and in an intermediate position in FIG. 3B. Example consumerproduct 300 comprises a detergent product (not shown) and a container,the container comprising a box 301, a cover 302 for the box, and a lock303 to maintain the cover 302 in a closed position, the box 301comprising the detergent product, the box 301 comprising a base 304,sidewalls 305 and an opening 306, the cover 302 comprising a top 307 andflanks 308, the cover 302 covering the opening 306 and the cover 302covering at least first 351, second 352 and third 353 specific portionsof sidewalls of the box when the cover 502 is in the closed position,the lock 503 comprising at least a first 351 a-b and a second 352actuator moveable from a locking position to an opening position byapplying an actuation pressure onto the first and second actuators whenthe cover is in the closed position, the first actuator 331 a-b beingconnected to the first specific portion 351, the second actuator 332being connected at least to the second specific portion 352, the covercomprising first 381, second 382 and third 383 actuation areas, thefirst 381 and third 383 actuation areas facing the first actuator 331a-b, the second actuation area 382 facing the second actuator 332, theactuation areas permitting displacing the first and second actuatorsfrom the locking position to the opening position by simultaneouslyapplying the actuation pressure at the first, second and third actuationareas when the cover is in the closed position, whereby:

-   -   the first and third specific portions of sidewalls and the first        actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall;    -   the second specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator        pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being        opposite to the specific sidewall;    -   the first and third actuation areas pertain to a same specific        flank covering at least the first and third specific portions of        sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position; and    -   the second actuation area pertains to an opposite flank, the        opposite flank being opposite to the specific flank.

In this specific example 300, the container comprises a first flap 331 afacing the first actuation area 381 when the cover is in the closedposition, a second flap 332 facing the second actuation area 382 whenthe cover is in the closed position, and a third flap 331 b facing thethird actuation area 383 when the cover is in the closed position,whereby the first 331 a and third 331 b flap form the first actuator andwhereby the second flap 332 forms the second actuator.

In this specific example 300, the cover is in the form of a sleevesurrounding the box. In this specific example 300, the opening is on aside wall. In this specific example, the opening 306 may be opened bypulling a cutout panel 316 away from the side wall to generate theopening 306, such cutout panel acting as an element ensuring that thecontent of the box has not been tampered with.

In some examples, each actuation area spans less than 8 cm² and morethan 0.2 cm², each actuation area defining a centroid. The centroidcorresponds to an area comprised in a perimeter of the actuation area.Such actuation area span permits that a user may localise the areascorresponding to the corresponding actuators.

In some examples, each centroid of each actuation area is separated fromthe top of the cover by less than 5 cm and by more than 0.5 cm. Thispermits contributing to reaching all the actuation areas with a singleadult hand at the same time.

In some examples, each centroid is separated from a distal end of thespecific flank by more than 0.5 cm. In the configuration of examplesconsumer products 100 and 200, such distal end is the end of the flanksopposite to the top of the cover. Such a threshold distance permitsmaintaining structural integrity for the flanks of the cover.

In some examples, the top of the cover spans less than 13 cm and morethan 6 cm along a direction normal to the specific portion at thecentroid, in particular at the centroid of the first actuation area.This also permits contributing to reaching all the actuation areas witha single adult hand at the same time.

In some examples, each actuation area spans less than 8 cm² and morethan 0.2 cm², each actuation area defining a centroid; each centroid isseparated from the top of the cover by less than 5 cm and by more than0.5 cm; each centroid is separated from a distal end of the specificflank by more than 0.5 cm; and the top of the cover spans less than 13cm and more than 6 cm along a direction normal to the specific portionat the centroid, in particular at the centroid of the second actuationarea. Complying with such combined conditions was found particularlysuited to reaching all the actuation areas with a single adult hand atthe same time. In preferred configurations, as illustrated for examplein FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, the centroid of the first actuation area andthe centroid of the third actuation area are separated by a separationdistance along a direction parallel to the top of the cover, theseparation distance being of more than 1.5 cm and of less than 10 cm,more preferably the separation distance being of more than 5 cm and ofless than 7 cm, in order to reach such first actuation area and thirdactuation area simultaneously with different fingers of a same adulthand. In some even more preferred configurations, a shortest distancebetween the centroid of the second actuation area and either thecentroid of the first actuation area or the centroid of the thirdactuation area along the flanks and top of the cover is of less than 18cm. In some further preferred configurations, each centroid is separatedfrom the top of the cover by more than 1 cm and by less than 3 cm,permitting transmitting a feedback force through the cover to render apinching movement leading to lock opening more precise. In some evenfurther preferred configurations, the centroid of the second actuationarea is located in a central region of a flank of the cover along ahorizontal direction parallel to the top of the cover, thereby easingthe sliding of a cover such as a hood lid by avoiding exerting moreforce on one side of the cover than on another, which could lead to sucha lid getting stuck.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate different blanks which may be used to obtain acover or hood lid as per cover 102 for example. In FIG. 4A, the centroidof the second actuation area 182 is aligned with the centroid of thefirst actuation area 181. In another example (not represented), thecentroid of the second actuation area may be aligned with the centroidof the third actuation area 183 along a direction normal to the secondspecific portion when the cover is in the closed position portion. InFIG. 4B, the centroid of the second actuation area 182 is facing aregion between the centroid of the first actuation area 181 and thecentroid of the third actuation area 183. Such configurations were foundparticularly suited to actuating all 3 actuation areas simultaneouslywith 3 fingers of a same adult hand. FIG. 4A also shows a first axialline 1811 of the first actuation area 181, and FIG. 1B shows a secondaxial line 1812 of the second actuation area 182. As can be seen, thefirst actuation area and the second actuator area are axially offsetfrom one another as the first axial line 1811 and the second axial line1812 are offset relative to one another.

In some examples, one or more of the actuation areas is one of anaperture and of a tactile element. While an aperture would be apreferred actuation area due not only to the simplicity ofimplementation, but also to the direct contact with the actuatorprovided by an actuation area in the form of an aperture, other types ofactuation areas may be considered which may for example detected by achange of texture, the presence of a membrane, of an embosses element,of a debossed element or of a slit. Such different possibilities allpermit identifying the location of the actuators underlying theactuation areas when the lid is closed.

In some examples, the detergent product is in the form of unit dosedetergent pouches, preferably in the form of flexible water soluble unitdose detergent pouches, whereby the one or more apertures are configuredto prevent a unit dose detergent pouch from passing through the one ormore apertures.

In some examples, one or more of the first, second and third specificportions comprise a visual indication visible through the aperture,respectively apertures, when the cover is closed. This permits providingguidance to a user, not only through tactile means but also throughvisual means as to identifying areas appropriate to manipulate the lock.Such visual indications may for example comprise one or more of codes,symbols, colors, numbers, icons, letters, words or text and may becombined with opening instruction printed on the container.

In some examples consumer products as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B,the cover 502 may be a hinged lid, the hinged lid taking for example arectangular shape comprising a hinged side, a side opposite the hingedside, and two adjacent sides, whereby the adjacent side may, when thecover is closed, correspond to the first 551, second 552 and third 353specific portions of sidewall. In such a case, the cover is opened byrotating the cover around the hinge, the lock comprising in this examplefirst 531, second 532 and third 533 actuators in the form of flaps. Inthis example, the cover 502 is open in FIG. 5A, and closed in FIG. 5B.the actuators correspond to first 581, second 582 and third 583actuation areas in the form of apertures.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a further example consumer product, in arespectively open and closed configuration, in this case similar to theconsumer product 200 comprising a first actuator in the form of a singleflap, the consumer product comprising an additional actuator, in thiscase a third actuator 633 associated to a fourth actuation area 684 andlocated on the opposite sidewall. This specific example has theadvantage of being reversible, whereby the cover may be placed such thatthe fourth actuation 684 area correspond to the first actuator, which isin the form of a single flap in this example. Such reversible covers maybe particularly useful to be suitable for both right and left handedusers, independently of its storage orientation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a further example consumer product, in arespectively open and closed configuration, in this case similar to theconsumer product 100, the consumer product comprising an additionalactuator, in this case a fourth actuator 734 associated to a fourthactuation area 784 and located on the specific sidewall carrying thefirst actuator. This specific example has the advantage of beingimproving the lock by introducing an additional actuator which may bedisengaged by using a thumb of the first adult hand and three or moreother fingers of the first adult hand, the three or more other fingerspreferably comprising the index finger, the middle finger and the ringfinger, whereby the thumb and the three or more other fingerssimultaneously apply the actuation pressure on the four actuation areas.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method to operate a locked consumerproduct, the consumer product being according to any of the exampleshereby described, the method comprising:

-   -   unlocking the container, in block 81, by pinching the cover with        a first adult hand between a thumb of the first adult hand and        two or more other fingers of the first adult hand, the two or        more other fingers preferably comprising the index finger and        the middle finger, alternatively the middle finger and the ring        finger, whereby the thumb and the two or more other fingers        simultaneously apply the actuation pressure on the actuation        areas; and opening the container, in block 82, by rotating or        sliding the pinched cover away from the box

FIG. 9 illustrates another method which comprises blocks 81 and 82 aswell as closing the container, in block 93, by placing the cover on theopening until the cover is in the locked position. Preferably, the lockis configured to emit a clicking sound on closing in order to provideaudible feedback confirming closure.

The present disclosure also aims at resolving an apparent contradictionbetween, on one hand, the use of materials for the sidewalls which wouldresist accidental opening, and the use of materials for the sidewallswhich are particularly environmentally friendly.

The container may indeed be made from paper or cardboard material, inparticular rigid cardboard material, flexible cardboard material or amixture thereof. In some example, the material forming the box or thecover has a wall thickness of more than 220 microns and of less than 3mm. In some example, the material forming the box or the cover has awall thickness of more than 1 mm and of less than 2 mm. In some example,the material forming the box or the cover is folded on itself, forexample to reinforce parts of or the whole of the box or the cover. Thecontainer may be made from paper materials, bio based material, bamboofibres, cellulose fibres, cellulose based or fibre based materials, or amixture thereof. The container may be made from materials comprisingrecycled materials, for example recycled cellulose fiber basedmaterials. In some examples, in order to facilitate opening, the covermay be entirely separated from the box when open, and the cover weighsless than 200 g, preferably less than 100 g, even more preferably lessthan 80 g, and more than 10 g, more preferably more than 30 g, even morepreferably more than 40 g, in order to obtain a sufficiently robustcover structure.

In some examples where the cover is in the form of a lid, the coveraccording to some examples comprises a support element structure, thesupport element structure entering the opening of the box when the coveris in the closed position, at least part of the specific portion of thesidewalls being located between the flanks and the support elementstructure when the cover is in the closed position, a clearance distanceseparating the sidewalls from the support element structure in adirection normal to the specific portion of the sidewalls when the coveris in the closed position and when no actuation pressure is applied, theclearance distance being reduced to zero by flexing of the specificportion of the sidewalls when the actuation pressure is applied above apressure threshold when the cover is in the closed position. Both thesupport element structure and the flanks are structurally part of thecover, the support element structure and the flanks permittingsandwiching the specific portion of the sidewall, thereby preventingsinking in of the specific portion of the sidewall and undesireddisengagement of the actuator from the locking tab. It is important totake note of the fact that in case of an actuation pressure beingapplied while lifting the box through the cover, the pressure appliedwill catch the sandwiched specific portion of the sidewall against thesupport element structure, thereby compensating a force of gravity whichwould otherwise disconnect the cover from the box, such compensation ofthe gravity force being through a resisting static friction forcebetween the specific portion of the sidewall and the support elementstructure. In some examples, the use of the support element structurepermits using for making the box a relatively flexible material, wherebysuch flexible material would flex in the absence of the support elementstructure to the point that the box would fall off if lifted by itscover. Permitting using a relatively flexible material also permitsusing a lesser quantity of such material due to the presence of thesupport element structure which compensates for such flexibility. Thepresence of such support element structure thereby prevents or reducesthe risk of accidental opening even if the actuation pressure is appliedonto the actuator of the lock, for example as the box is lifted whileapplying pressure on the actuator of the lock.

The support element structure enters the opening when the cover is inthe closed position, fitting within the box when the cover is in theclosed position. Such entering the opening should be understood in thatthe support element structure comprises a support element structureportion which enters the opening when the cover is moved from the opento the closed position, and whereby such support element structureportion exits the opening when the cover is moved from the closed to theopen position. At least part of the specific portion of the sidewalls islocated between the flanks and the support element structure when thecover is in the closed position.

This structure permits capturing the specific portion of the sidewallbetween the flanks and the support element structure, the specificportion of the sidewall getting inserted between the flanks and thesupport element structure when the cover moves from the open to theclosed position, the specific portion of the side wall being releasedfrom between the flanks and the support element structure when the covermoves from the closed to the open position. A clearance distanceseparates the sidewalls from the support element structure in adirection normal to the specific portion of the sidewalls when the coveris in the closed position, such direction corresponding for example to adirection of a linear ridge of the support element, and when noactuation pressure is applied. Such clearance distance would exist on afirst side, and be repeated additionally on a second side of the supportelement structure. Such clearance distance permits insertion of thesupport element structure through the opening as the cover gets closed,such that the support element structure does not collide with thespecific portion of the sidewall when the cover gets closed. Theclearance is reduced to zero by flexing of the specific portion of thesidewalls when the actuation pressure is applied above a pressurethreshold when the cover is in the closed position. When such pressurethreshold is reached, the sidewall lays against the support elementstructure through the clearance distance being reduced to zero, thesidewall thereby being prevented from being exceedingly distorted andbeing prevented from sinking in to the point of the actuator releasingthe locking tab. The clearance distance according to such examplesrelates in some examples to a tolerance distance between the cover andthe box which both permits placing the cover onto the box without unduedifficulty, while avoiding that the cover be loose when in the closedposition. While the clearance distance according to this disclosure isconsidered in a region of the lock, the tolerance distance between thecover and the box may be considered along an entire perimeter of theopening of the box. In some examples, the tolerance is of at least 0.1mm and of less than 5 mm. In some examples the tolerance is of at least0.5 mm and of less than 3 mm. Such tolerance would for example bemeasured when the cover is in the closed position and between aninternal surface of the flanks and an external surface of the sidewalls,understanding that such tolerance may take a different value in a regionof the lock.

In some examples, the clearance distance is of at least 1 mm and of lessthan 1 cm when the cover is in the closed position and no actuationpressure is applied. Such a range permits both easing the closing of thecover and preventing sinking of the specific portion of the sidewallleading to undesired unlocking. In some examples, the clearance distanceis of at least 1.5 mm and of less than 0.5 cm when the cover is in theclosed position and no actuation pressure is applied. In some examples,the clearance distance is of at least 2 mm and of less than 0.4 cm whenthe cover is in the closed position and no actuation pressure isapplied.

In some examples, the cover comprises a corrugated cardboard layer, thecorrugated cardboard layer comprising flutes, the flutes preferablyrunning parallel to the direction normal to the specific portion andparallel to a top of the cover, and whereby the actuation areapreferably intersect at least some of the flutes. Such a structurepermits reinforcing the top of the cover. The intersecting of flutes byan actuation area in the form of an aperture also permits ventilatingthe flank or flanks in which the aperture is provided, therebyreinforcing flank integrity in humid environments.

In some examples the detergent product comprises a detergentcomposition. The detergent composition may be a laundry detergentcomposition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surfacecleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergentcomposition may comprise a solid, a liquid or a mixture thereof. Theterm liquid includes a gel, a solution, a dispersion, a paste, or amixture thereof. The solid may be a powder. By powder we herein meanthat the detergent composition may comprise solid particulates or may bea single homogenous solid. In some examples, the powder detergentcomposition comprises particles. This means that the powder detergentcomposition comprises individual solid particles as opposed to the solidbeing a single homogenous solid. The particles may be free-flowing ormay be compacted. A laundry detergent composition can be used in afabric hand wash operation or may be used in an automatic machine fabricwash operation, for example in an automatic machine fabric washoperation. Example laundry detergent compositions comprise a non-soapsurfactant, wherein the non-soap surfactant comprises an anionicnon-soap surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant. In some examples, thelaundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 60%, or between20% and 55% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of thenon-soap surfactant. Example weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactantto nonionic surfactant are from 1:1 to 20:1, from 1.5:1 to 17.5:1, from2:1 to 15:1, or from 2.5:1 to 13:1. Example non-soap anionic surfactantscomprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate or a mixturethereof. Example weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to alkylsulphate are from 1:2 to 9:1, from 1:1 to 7:1, from 1:1 to 5:1, or from1:1 to 4:1. Example linear alkylbenzene sulphonates are C₁₀-C₁₆ alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, or C₁₁-C₁₄ alkyl benzene sulfonic acids. By‘linear’, we herein mean the alkyl group is linear. Example alkylsulphate anionic surfactant may comprise alkoxylated alkyl sulphate ornon-alkoxylated alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof. Example alkoxylatedalkyl sulphate anionic surfactant comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulphateanionic surfactant. Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant maycomprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant with a molaverage degree of ethoxylation from 1 to 5, from 1 to 3, or from 2 to 3.Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise a non-ethoxylatedalkyl sulphate and an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate wherein the mol averagedegree of ethoxylation of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant is from1 to 5, from 1 to 3, or from 2 to 3. Example alkyl fraction of the alkylsulphate anionic surfactant are derived from fatty alcohols,oxo-synthesized alcohols, Guerbet alcohols, or mixtures thereof. In someexamples, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and50%, between 15% and 45%, between 20% and 40%, or between 30% and 40% byweight of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap anionicsurfactant. In some examples, the non-ionic surfactant is selected fromalcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised alcohol alkoxylate, Guerbetalcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates, or a mixturethereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition comprisesbetween 0.01% and 10%, between 0.01% and 8%, between 0.1% and 6%, orbetween 0.15% and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergentcomposition of a non-ionic surfactant. In some examples, the laundrydetergent composition comprises between 1.5% and 20%, between 2% and15%, between 3% and 10%, or between 4% and 8% by weight of the laundrydetergent composition of soap, in some examples a fatty acid salt, insome examples an amine neutralized fatty acid salt, wherein in someexamples the amine is an alkanolamine for example selected frommonoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof,in some examples monoethanolamine. In some examples, the laundrydetergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition. In someexamples the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than15%, or less than 12% by weight of the liquid laundry detergentcomposition of water. In some examples, the laundry detergentcomposition is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising anon-aqueous solvent selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol,tripropyleneglycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol or a mixturethereof. In some examples, the liquid laundry detergent compositioncomprises between 10% and 40%, or between 15% and 30% by weight of theliquid laundry detergent composition of the non-aqueous solvent. In someexamples, the laundry detergent composition comprises a perfume. In someexamples, the laundry detergent composition comprises an adjunctingredient selected from the group comprising builders includingenzymes, citrate, bleach, bleach catalyst, dye, hueing dye, brightener,cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines andpolyethyleneimines, soil release polymer, surfactant, solvent, dyetransfer inhibitors, chelant, encapsulated perfume, polycarboxylates,structurant, pH trimming agents, and mixtures thereof. In some examples,the laundry detergent composition has a pH between 6 and 10, between 6.5and 8.9, or between 7 and 8, wherein the pH of the laundry detergentcomposition is measured as a 10% product concentration in demineralizedwater at 20° C. When liquid, the laundry detergent composition may beNewtonian or non-Newtonian. In some examples, the liquid laundrydetergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound bytheory, a non-Newtonian liquid has properties that differ from those ofa Newtonian liquid, more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonianliquids is dependent on shear rate, while a Newtonian liquid has aconstant viscosity independent of the applied shear rate. The decreasedviscosity upon shear application for non-Newtonian liquids is thought tofurther facilitate liquid detergent dissolution. The liquid laundrydetergent composition described herein can have any suitable viscositydepending on factors such as formulated ingredients and purpose of thecomposition.

In some examples, the consumer product comprises at least onewater-soluble unit dose article and the container. The consumer productcan be sold ‘as is’, in other words the consumer product is the itemthat the consumer picks up from the shelf. Alternatively, the consumerproduct could be housed as one unit of a multi-component product. Forexample, more than one consumer product could be housed within an outerpackage and the multiple packaged consumer products sold together in asingle purchase. The consumer product may comprise aesthetic elements,for example shrink sleeves or labels attached to the container.Alternatively, the container may be coloured or printed with aestheticelements or informative print such as usage instructions.

In some examples a water-soluble unit dose article comprises at leastone water-soluble film orientated to create at least one-unit doseinternal compartment, wherein the at least one-unit dose internalcompartment comprises a detergent composition. The water-soluble filmand the detergent composition are described in more detail below. Insome examples the consumer product comprises at least one water-solubleunit dose article, in some cases at least two water-soluble unit dosearticles, in some cases at least 10 water-soluble unit dose articles, insome cases at least 20 water-soluble unit dose articles, in some casesat least 30 water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases at least 40water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases at least 45water-soluble unit dose articles. A water-soluble unit dose article isin some examples in the form of a pouch. A water-soluble unit dosearticle comprises in some examples a unitary dose of a composition as avolume sufficient to provide a benefit in an end application. Thewater-soluble unit dose article comprises in some examples onewater-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises atleast one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. Theat least one compartment comprises a cleaning composition. Thewater-soluble film is sealed such that the cleaning composition does notleak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition ofthe water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble filmdissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into thewash liquor. The unit dose article may comprise more than onecompartment, at least two compartments, or at least three compartments,or at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. Thecompartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. onepositioned on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may bepositioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e. one orientated next tothe other. The compartments may be orientated in a ‘tyre and rim’arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a secondcompartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds thesecond compartment, but does not completely enclose the secondcompartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosedwithin another compartment. In some examples the unit dose articlecomprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments beingsmaller than the other compartment. In some examples the unit dosearticle comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartmentsmay be smaller than the third compartment, and in some examples the twosmaller compartments being superposed on the larger compartment. In someexamples the unit dose article comprises at least four compartments,three of the compartments may be smaller than the fourth compartment,and in some examples the three smaller compartments being superposed onthe larger compartment. The superposed compartments are in some examplesorientated side-by-side. In some examples each individual unit dosearticle may have a weight of between 10 g and 40 g, or even between 15 gand 35 g. The water soluble film may be soluble or dispersible in water.Prior to be being formed into a unit dose article, the water-solublefilm has in some examples a thickness of from 20 to 150 micron, in otherexamples 35 to 125 micron, in further examples 50 to 110 micron, in yetfurther examples about 76 micron. Example water soluble film materialscomprise polymeric materials. The film material can, for example, beobtained by casting, blow-moulding, extrusion or blown extrusion of thepolymeric material. In some examples, the water-soluble film comprisespolyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, for example a blend ofpolyvinylalcohol polymers and/or polyvinylalcohol copolymers, forexample selected from sulphonated and carboxylated anionicpolyvinylalcohol copolymers especially carboxylated anionicpolyvinylalcohol copolymers, for example a blend of a polyvinylalcoholhomopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer. Insome examples water soluble films are those supplied by Monosol underthe trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310. In some examples thefilm may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may comprise aprinted area. The area of print may be achieved using techniques such asflexographic printing or inkjet printing. The film may comprise anaversive agent, for example a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agentsinclude, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quininehydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Example levelsof aversive agent include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000 ppm, 100 to2500 ppm, or 250 to 2000 ppm. The water-soluble film or water-solubleunit dose article or both may be coated with a lubricating agent. Insome examples, the lubricating agent is selected from talc, zinc oxide,silicas, siloxanes, zeolites, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulphate,potassium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodiumcitrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassiumtripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate,starch, modified starches, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrins ormixtures thereof.

In some examples the container comprises a first part, wherein the firstpart comprises a first compartment in which the at least onewater-soluble unit dose article is contained. In some examples the firstcompartment comprises at least two water-soluble unit dose articles. Thefirst compartment may comprise between 1 and 80 water-soluble unit dosearticles, between 1 and 60 water-soluble unit dose articles, between 1and 40 water-soluble unit dose articles, or between 1 and 20water-soluble unit dose articles. The volume of the first compartmentmay be between 500 ml and 5000 ml, in some examples between 800 ml and4000 ml.

In some examples, the detergent product is in the form of unit dosedetergent pouches, preferably in the form of flexible water soluble unitdose detergent pouches, whereby the aperture is configured to prevent aunit dose detergent pouch from passing through the aperture. Having theaperture configured to prevent a unit dose detergent pouch from passingthrough the aperture permits avoiding spilling detergent pouchesaccidentally through the aperture. In some examples, the pouches have aminimum cross section, such minimum cross section being in some casessurrounded by an external flange area, such minimum cross sectionintersecting an internal volume of the detergent article comprising thedetergent, such minimum cross section being of less than the actuationarea aperture. For example, if the actuation area aperture is of 1 cm²,pouches having a minimum cross section of 1.5 cm² will not spill throughthe aperture.

In some examples, one or more flank of the flanks comprising anactuation area covers at least 10%, preferable at least 20%, morepreferably at least 30% of one or more respective sidewall of thesidewalls when the cover is in the closed position. In such examples, ifthe respective actuation area is an aperture, such aperture will to somedegree permit evacuating air comprised in the cover while closing thecover as the cover slides onto the box. In some examples, the coverdefines a cover internal volume delimited by the top of the cover andthe flanks. In some examples the cover internal volume is comprisedbetween 200 and 2000 cm³, preferably between 750 cm³ and 1500 cm³. Insome examples, one or more flank of the flanks comprising a respectiveactuation area covers at least 40% of one or more respective sidewall ofthe sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position. In someexamples, one or more flank of the flanks comprising a respectiveactuation area covers at least 50% of one or more respective sidewall ofthe sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position. Providing ahigher flank coverage increases robustness and permits holding thecontent of the container in the cover case of an accidental upside downopening. Such configurations may be advantageously combined in someexamples with an aperture configured to prevent a unit dose detergentpouch from passing through the aperture.

In some examples, the actuation area covers less than 6 cm² and morethan 1 cm². Such dimensioning was also found particularly effective atapplying a high precision force or pressure.

In some examples, the flanks comprising two short flanks and two longflanks, whereby the actuation areas are on the two long flanks. Thisconfiguration permits increasing rigidity of the top of the cover, whilemaintaining a desired container inner volume. The cover may indeedcomprise two opposite long flanks parallel to each other and twoopposite short flanks parallel to each other, the long flanks beingperpendicular to the short flanks, the long flanks being preferablyreinforced, in order to take into account the fact that a user orconsumer may be more likely to apply pressure on long flanks, and thatlong flanks are more likely to be submitted to deformation given thattheir middle point along the first direction is farther away fromcorners of the same long flank than the middle point of a short flankfrom the respective short flank corners.

Combinations

The following paragraphs are exemplary combinations according to thepresent invention.

[A] A consumer product comprising a detergent product and a container,the container comprising a box, a cover for the box, and a lock tomaintain the cover in a closed position, the box comprising thedetergent product, the box comprising a base, sidewalls and an opening,the cover comprising a top and flanks, the cover covering the openingand the cover covering at least first, second and third specificportions of sidewalls of the box when the cover is in the closedposition, the lock comprising at least a first and a second actuatormoveable from a locking position to an opening position by applying anactuation pressure onto the first and second actuators when the cover isin the closed position, the first actuator being connected to the firstspecific portion, the second actuator being connected at least to thesecond specific portion, the cover comprising first, second and thirdactuation areas, the first and third actuation areas facing the firstactuator, the second actuation area facing the second actuator, theactuation areas permitting displacing the first and second actuatorsfrom the locking position to the opening position by simultaneouslyapplying the actuation pressure at the first, second and third actuationareas when the cover is in the closed position, whereby:

-   -   the first and third specific portions of sidewalls and the first        actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall;    -   the second specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator        pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being        opposite to the specific sidewall;    -   the first and third actuation areas pertain to a same specific        flank covering at least the first and third specific portions of        sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position; and    -   the second actuation area pertains to an opposite flank, the        opposite flank being opposite to the specific flank.

[B] The consumer product according to paragraph [A], whereby the firstactuator comprises a single flap facing both the first and thirdactuation areas, and whereby the second actuator comprises a second flapfacing the second actuation area, when the cover is in the closedposition.

[C] The consumer product according to paragraph [A], whereby thecontainer comprises a first flap facing the first actuation area whenthe cover is in the closed position, a second flap facing the secondactuation area when the cover is in the closed position, and a thirdflap facing the third actuation area when the cover is in the closedposition, whereby the first and third flap form the first actuator andwhereby the second flap forms the second actuator.

[D] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby the consumerproduct comprises a fourth actuation area covering either the first orsecond actuator, or an additional actuator, when the cover is in theclosed position.

[E] The consumer product according to paragraph [A], whereby:

-   -   each actuation area spans less than about 8 cm² and more than        about 0.2 cm², each actuation area defining a centroid;    -   each centroid is separated from the top of the cover by less        than about 5 cm and by more than about 0.5 cm;    -   each centroid is separated from a distal end of the specific        flank by more than about 0.5 cm; and    -   the top of the cover spans less than about 13 cm and more than        about 6 cm along a direction normal to the specific portion at        the centroid.

[F] The consumer product according to paragraph E, whereby the centroidof the first actuation area and the centroid of the third actuation areaare separated by a separation distance along a direction parallel to thetop of the cover, the separation distance being of more than about 1.5cm and of less than about 10 cm.

[G] The consumer product according to paragraph E, whereby the centroidof the second actuation area is aligned either with the centroid of thefirst actuation area or with the centroid of the third actuation areaalong a direction normal to the second specific portion when the coveris in the closed position portion.

[H] The consumer product according to paragraph E, whereby the centroidof the second actuation area is facing a region between the centroid ofthe first actuation area and the centroid of the third actuation area.

[I] The consumer product according to paragraph E, whereby a shortestdistance between the centroid of the second actuation area and eitherthe centroid of the first actuation area or the centroid of the thirdactuation area along the flanks and top of the cover is of less thanabout 18 cm.

[J] The consumer product according to paragraph E, whereby each centroidis separated from the top of the cover by more than about 1 cm and byless than about 3 cm.

[K] The consumer product according to paragraph E, whereby the centroidof the second actuation area is located in a central region of a flankof the cover along a horizontal direction parallel to the top of thecover.

[L] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby one or moreof the actuation areas is one of an aperture and a tactile element.

[M] The consumer product according to paragraph L, whereby one or moreof the first, second and third specific portions comprise a visualindication visible through the aperture, respectively apertures, whenthe cover is closed.

[N] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby the detergentproduct is in the form of unit dose detergent pouches.

[O] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby one or moreflank of the flanks covers at least about 10% of one or more respectivesidewall of the sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position.

[P] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby eachactuation area, has a circular shape.

[Q] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby eachactuation area covers less than about 6 cm² and more than about 1 cm².

[R] The consumer product according to paragraph A, whereby the containeris made from paper or cardboard materials.

[S] The consumer product according to paragraph A, the flanks comprisingtwo short flanks and two long flanks, whereby the actuation areas are onthe long flanks.

[T] A method to operate a locked consumer product, the consumer productbeing according to paragraph A, the method comprising:

-   -   unlocking the container by pinching the cover with a first adult        hand between a thumb of the first adult hand and two or more        other fingers of the first adult hand, the two or more other        fingers,    -   whereby the thumb and the two or more other fingers        simultaneously apply the actuation pressure on the actuation        areas; and    -   opening the container by rotating or sliding the pinched cover        away from the box.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A consumer product comprising a detergent productand a container, the container comprising a box, a cover for the box,and a lock to maintain the cover in a closed position, the boxcomprising the detergent product, the box comprising a base, sidewallsand an opening, the cover comprising a top and flanks, the covercovering the opening and the cover covering at least first and secondspecific portions of sidewalls of the box when the cover is in theclosed position, the lock comprising at least a first and a secondactuator moveable from a locking position to an opening position byapplying an actuation pressure onto the first and second actuators whenthe cover is in the closed position, the first actuator being connectedto the first specific portion, the second actuator being connected atleast to the second specific portion, the cover comprising first andsecond actuation areas, the first actuation area facing the firstactuator, the second actuation area facing the second actuator, theactuation areas permitting displacing the first and second actuatorsfrom the locking position to the opening position by simultaneouslyapplying the actuation pressure at the first and second actuation areaswhen the cover is in the closed position, whereby: the first specificportion of sidewalls and the first actuator pertain to a same specificsidewall; the second specific portion of sidewalls and the secondactuator pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall beingopposite to the specific sidewall; the first actuation area pertains toa same specific flank covering at least the first specific portion ofsidewalls when the cover is in the closed position; and the secondactuation area pertains to an opposite flank, the opposite flank beingopposite to the specific flank, and wherein the first actuation area andthe second actuator area are axially offset from one another.
 2. Theconsumer product according to claim 1, whereby the first actuatorcomprises a single flap facing both the first and third actuation areas,and whereby the second actuator comprises a second flap facing thesecond actuation area, when the cover is in the closed position.
 3. Theconsumer product according to claim 1, whereby the container comprises afirst flap facing the first actuation area when the cover is in theclosed position, a second flap facing the second actuation area when thecover is in the closed position, whereby the first flap forms the firstactuator and whereby the second flap forms the second actuator.
 4. Theconsumer product according to claim 1, whereby: each actuation areaspans less than about 8 cm² and more than about 0.2 cm², each actuationarea defining a centroid; each centroid is separated from the top of thecover by less than about 5 cm and by more than about 0.5 cm; eachcentroid is separated from a distal end of the specific flank by morethan about 0.5 cm; and the top of the cover spans less than about 13 cmand more than about 6 cm along a direction normal to the specificportion at the centroid.
 5. The consumer product according to claim 4,whereby each centroid is separated from the top of the cover by morethan about 1 cm and by less than about 3 cm.
 6. The consumer productaccording to claim 4, whereby the centroid of the first actuation areais located in a central region of a flank of the cover along ahorizontal direction parallel to the top of the cover or in anon-central region of a flank of the cover along a horizontal directionparallel to the top of the cover.
 7. The consumer product according toclaim 4, whereby the centroid of the second actuation area is located ina central region of a flank of the cover along a horizontal directionparallel to the top of the cover or in a non-central region of a flankof the cover along a horizontal direction parallel to the top of thecover.
 8. The consumer product according to claim 1, whereby one or moreof the actuation areas is one of an aperture and a tactile element. 9.The consumer product according to claim 8, whereby one or more of thefirst or second specific portions comprise a visual indication visiblethrough the aperture, respectively apertures, when the cover is closed.10. The consumer product according to claim 1, whereby the detergentproduct is in the form of unit dose detergent pouches.
 11. The consumerproduct according to claim 1, whereby one or more flank of the flankscovers at least about 10% of one or more respective sidewall of thesidewalls when the cover is in the closed position.
 12. The consumerproduct according to claim 1, whereby each actuation area, has acircular shape.
 13. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherebyeach actuation area covers less than about 6 cm² and more than about 1cm².
 14. The consumer product according to claim 1, whereby thecontainer is made from paper or cardboard materials.
 15. The consumerproduct according to claim 1, the flanks comprising two short flanks andtwo long flanks, whereby the actuation areas are on the long flanks. 16.The consumer product according to claim 1, comprising a third actuationarea or even a fourth actuation area.
 17. A method to operate a lockedconsumer product comprising a container comprising a box, a cover forthe box, a lock, a detergent product within the box, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) using a thumb of a hand applying pressurealong a first container axis that traverses from a first side of thecontainer to an opposite second side of the container, wherein a firstlock actuator disposed on the first side of the container moves from aclosed position to an open position; b) using a finger from the samehand applying pressure along a second container axis that traverses fromthe first side of the container to the second side of the container butthat is offset from the first container axis, wherein a second lockactuator disposed on the second side of the container moves from aclosed position to an open position; and c) separating the cover fromthe box sufficiently to access the detergent product.
 18. A method tooperate a locked consumer product, a) the consumer product comprising adetergent product and a container, the container comprising a box, acover for the box, and a lock to maintain the cover in a closedposition; a. wherein the lock comprises at least a first and a secondactuator moveable from a first open position to a second closedposition; and b. wherein the first actuator is disposed on one side ofthe container and along a first axial line, and the second actuator isdisposed on an opposite side of the container and along a second axialline that is offset from the first axial line; b) the method comprisingunlocking the container by interacting with the first actuator with athumb of a hand and interacting with the second actuator with a fingerfrom the same hand.
 19. A locked consumer product, comprising: a) acontainer comprising a box, a cover for the box, and a lock to maintainthe cover in a closed position; b) a detergent product contained withinthe container; c) wherein the lock comprises at least a first and asecond actuator moveable from a first open position to a second closedposition; d) wherein the first actuator is disposed on one side of thecontainer and along a first axial line, and the second actuator isdisposed on an opposite side of the container and along a second axialline that is offset from the first axial line; e) wherein the containeris unlocked by interacting with the first actuator with a thumb of ahand and interacting with the second actuator with a finger from thesame hand.